Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method comprising: identifying, by one or more processors, a status of a first Internet of Things (IoT) device included in a local area cloud of a plurality of IoT devices that are connected in a geographic area via a wireless local area network (WLAN), wherein a second IoT device of the plurality of IoT devices, as a leader of the local area cloud, communicates to a plurality of server devices on behalf of the local area cloud via a base station of a radio access network serving the geographic area; identifying, by the one or more processors, a server device associated with the first IoT device; transmitting, by the one or more processors, via a first type of communication path, a first type of sensor data obtained from the first IoT device to the server device for selection of a first type of physical action to be performed by the first IoT device; forwarding, by the one or more processors, information identifying the status to the server device via a wireless wide area network (WWAN); determining, by the one or more processors, that the second IoT device is no longer included in the local area cloud; forwarding, by the one or more processors, a set of rules that define leader selection as a function of a relative signal strength and a geographic distance with respect to the base station; evaluating, by one or more of the plurality of IoT devices, the plurality of IoT devices against the set of rules to determine a third IoT device associated with a superior signal strength and a shortest geographic distance; implementing, by the one or more of the plurality of IoT devices, a selection of the third IoT device as the leader of the local area cloud; receiving, by the one or more processors, data identifying the first type of physical action; and forwarding, by the one or more processors and via a second type of communication path, the data identifying the first type of physical action to the third IoT device for distribution to the first IoT device via the local area cloud, wherein, based on the first type of sensor data and a time-sensitivity of the first type of physical action, a first security protocol, a first level of reliability, a first transmission speed, a first bandwidth amount, a first number of trusted nodes, and a first level of priority path associated with the first type of communication path differ from a second security protocol, a second level of reliability, a second transmission speed, a second bandwidth amount, a second number of trusted nodes, and a second level of priority path associated with the second type of communication path.
The invention relates to a system for managing Internet of Things (IoT) devices in a local area cloud connected via a wireless local area network (WLAN). The problem addressed is ensuring reliable communication and leadership selection within a dynamic IoT network, particularly when a designated leader device fails or leaves the network. The system includes multiple IoT devices, one of which acts as a leader to communicate with external servers via a base station in a radio access network. The leader device forwards sensor data from other IoT devices to the server, which selects physical actions for the devices. If the leader is no longer available, the system evaluates remaining devices based on signal strength and geographic proximity to the base station to select a new leader. The system also adapts communication paths based on the type of data and action, adjusting security, reliability, speed, bandwidth, trusted nodes, and priority to optimize performance. This ensures efficient and secure data transmission and action execution within the IoT network.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the server device includes a configuration file that identifies a plurality of physical actions and selection criteria for selecting from among the plurality of physical actions and a policy engine to select the physical action from the plurality of physical actions based on the configuration file, and wherein the method further comprises: receiving, from a user device associated with an owner of the first IoT device, a message to modify the configuration file; and forwarding the message to the server device, wherein the server device modifies the configuration file based on the message and wherein the policy engine selects the first type of physical action based on the modified configuration file.
This invention relates to a system for managing Internet of Things (IoT) devices using a server device that controls physical actions based on configurable policies. The problem addressed is the need for flexible and dynamic control of IoT devices, allowing owners to adjust how the system responds to different conditions without requiring direct programming or hardware changes. The server device includes a configuration file that defines multiple physical actions and selection criteria for choosing among them. A policy engine within the server evaluates these criteria to determine the appropriate action for an IoT device. For example, the system might select between actions like turning on a light, adjusting a thermostat, or triggering an alarm based on predefined rules. A key feature is the ability for users to modify the configuration file remotely. When an owner sends a message from their user device to update the configuration, the server processes this request and adjusts the policy engine's decision-making logic accordingly. This ensures that the system can adapt to changing user preferences or environmental conditions without manual intervention. The invention enables dynamic, policy-driven control of IoT devices, improving flexibility and responsiveness in smart environments. The configuration file and policy engine work together to automate decision-making while allowing user customization, making the system adaptable to various use cases.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the server device further selects a second type of physical action to be performed by a fourth IoT device of the plurality of IoT devices included in the local area cloud, wherein the data further identifies the second type of physical action, and wherein the third IoT device forwards the data to the fourth IoT device via the local area cloud.
This invention relates to a system for coordinating physical actions among multiple Internet of Things (IoT) devices within a local area cloud. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and decentralized control of IoT devices to perform coordinated physical actions without relying on a central server or cloud infrastructure. The system enables IoT devices to communicate and execute tasks locally, improving responsiveness and reducing dependency on external networks. The method involves a server device that selects a first type of physical action for a first IoT device and a second type of physical action for a second IoT device. The server device generates data that identifies these actions and transmits the data to a third IoT device. The third IoT device then forwards the data to the first and second IoT devices via the local area cloud, allowing them to perform the specified actions. Additionally, the server device can select a second type of physical action for a fourth IoT device, with the data identifying this action. The third IoT device forwards this data to the fourth IoT device via the local area cloud, enabling coordinated actions among multiple devices. This approach ensures that IoT devices can operate autonomously within a local network, reducing latency and improving reliability by minimizing reliance on external infrastructure. The system is particularly useful in environments where real-time coordination of physical actions is critical, such as smart homes, industrial automation, or environmental monitoring.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the local area cloud is a first local area cloud, and wherein the method further includes: identifying a status of one or more IoT devices included in a second local area cloud; and forwarding data identifying the status of the one or more IoT devices to the server device, wherein the server device identifies the first type of physical action further based on the identified status of the one or more IoT devices.
This invention relates to a system for managing Internet of Things (IoT) devices across multiple local area clouds, where a server device coordinates actions based on device statuses from different networks. The problem addressed is the lack of centralized coordination between IoT devices in separate local area networks, leading to inefficiencies in monitoring and control. The system includes a server device that communicates with at least two local area clouds, each containing IoT devices. The server monitors the status of IoT devices in a second local area cloud and receives data identifying their operational states. This information is used to determine a specific type of physical action, such as adjusting settings or triggering alerts, based on the combined statuses of devices across both networks. The server then executes the action in the first local area cloud, ensuring coordinated management of distributed IoT devices. This approach improves interoperability and responsiveness in environments where devices are spread across multiple networks.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of IoT devices are coupled to a plurality of IoT modems, wherein the plurality of IoT modems communicate with each other using a WLAN protocol, and wherein one of the plurality of IoT modems is coupled to the third IoT device and communicates with the server device using a WWAN protocol.
This invention relates to a system for managing Internet of Things (IoT) devices using a hybrid wireless network architecture. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently connecting multiple IoT devices to a central server while optimizing network performance and reliability. The solution involves a network of IoT devices connected to multiple IoT modems, which communicate with each other using a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) protocol. One of these modems is designated as a gateway, connecting to a third IoT device and communicating with a remote server using a Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) protocol. This architecture allows for local data exchange between IoT devices via the WLAN while leveraging the WWAN for broader connectivity to the server. The system ensures seamless data transmission, reduces dependency on a single communication path, and improves overall network resilience. The use of WLAN for inter-modem communication minimizes bandwidth usage on the WWAN, enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The gateway modem's dual functionality ensures continuous server connectivity while maintaining local network operations. This approach is particularly useful in environments where direct WWAN connections for all devices are impractical or costly.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the status relates to a request by a fourth IoT device to join the local area cloud, and wherein the method further includes: calculating a score for the fourth IoT device, wherein the score is calculated based on: whether an owner of the fourth IoT device is known to an owner of the third IoT device, whether the owner of the fourth IoT device is known to an owner of another one of the plurality of IoT devices included in the local area cloud, whether the owner of the fourth IoT device is an owner of one of the plurality of IoT devices included in the local area cloud, and whether the owner of the fourth IoT device is approved by a trusted third party; and determining to admit the fourth IoT device into the local area cloud when the score is greater than a threshold value.
This invention relates to a method for managing access to a local area cloud of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, specifically addressing the challenge of securely and efficiently admitting new IoT devices into the network. The method evaluates a request from a fourth IoT device to join the local area cloud by calculating a score based on multiple factors. These factors include whether the owner of the fourth IoT device is known to the owner of an existing IoT device in the cloud, whether the owner is known to other IoT device owners within the cloud, whether the owner already owns a device in the cloud, and whether the owner is approved by a trusted third party. The calculated score is then compared to a predefined threshold value. If the score exceeds the threshold, the fourth IoT device is admitted into the local area cloud. This approach enhances security by ensuring only trusted devices are added, while also streamlining the admission process through automated scoring. The method leverages social and reputational data to make admission decisions, reducing reliance on manual intervention and improving scalability.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the information regarding the status of the first IoT device includes 256 or fewer bytes of data, wherein the first type of sensor data is personal health information, wherein the first type of physical action does not correspond to performing a time-sensitive function, wherein the first security protocol corresponds to a level of security that is higher than a level of security corresponding to the second security protocol, and wherein the first level of priority path corresponds to a higher level of priority than a level of priority corresponding to the second level of priority path.
This invention relates to secure data transmission in Internet of Things (IoT) networks, specifically for handling personal health information from IoT devices. The system prioritizes data transmission paths based on security and urgency requirements. The method involves transmitting status information from a first IoT device, where this status data is limited to 256 bytes or fewer. The status information includes personal health data, which is highly sensitive. The system ensures this data is transmitted using a high-security protocol, which provides stronger protection than a secondary protocol used for less critical data. The transmission path for this health data is prioritized over other paths, ensuring faster and more reliable delivery. The system avoids using this high-priority path for time-sensitive functions, reserving it exclusively for secure health data. The secondary path, with lower security and priority, is used for non-critical data. This approach balances security, efficiency, and resource allocation in IoT networks, particularly for health monitoring applications. The invention ensures that sensitive health data is protected while optimizing network performance for other types of data.
8. A system comprising: a plurality of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in a local area cloud, and a first server device comprising: a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication interface; a wireless wide area network (WWAN) communication interface; a memory to store instructions; and a processor configured to execute the instructions to: receive, via the WWAN communication interface, information regarding a status of a first IoT device of the plurality of IoT devices that connect to a base station over a radio access network, wherein a second IoT device of the plurality of IoT devices functions as a leader of the local area cloud, wherein the first server device is selected from a plurality of server devices based on the first IoT device; transmit, via a first type of communication path, a first type of sensor data obtained from the first IoT device to the first server device; determine that the second IoT device is no longer included in the local area cloud; forward, via the WLAN communication interface, a set of rules that define leader selection as a function of relative signal strength and a geographic distance with respect to the base station, wherein one or more of the plurality of IoT devices evaluate the plurality of IoT devices against the set of rules to determine a third IoT device associated with a superior relative signal strength and a shortest geographic distance, and implement a selection of the third IoT device as the leader of the local area cloud; select, based on the first type of sensor data, a first type of physical action to be performed by the first IoT device; and forward, via a second type of communication path, data identifying the first type of physical action to the third IoT device for distribution to the first IoT device via the local area cloud, wherein, based on the first type of sensor data and a time-sensitivity of the first type of physical action, a first security protocol, a first level of reliability, a first transmission speed, a first bandwidth amount, a first number of trusted nodes, and a first level of priority path associated with the first type of communication path differ from a second security protocol, a second level of reliability, a second transmission speed, a second bandwidth amount, a second number of trusted nodes, and a second level of priority path associated with the second type of communication path.
The system involves a network of Internet of Things (IoT) devices operating within a local area cloud, where one device acts as a leader to manage communication and coordination. The system includes a server device with both wireless local area network (WLAN) and wide area network (WWAN) interfaces, enabling it to communicate with IoT devices and external networks. The server receives status updates from IoT devices connected to a base station over a radio access network. If the current leader device is no longer part of the local area cloud, the server forwards a set of rules to the remaining IoT devices to select a new leader based on signal strength and geographic proximity to the base station. The server also processes sensor data from IoT devices, determines appropriate physical actions, and forwards instructions to the new leader for distribution. The communication paths for data and commands are optimized based on factors such as security, reliability, transmission speed, bandwidth, trusted nodes, and priority, with different protocols and settings applied depending on the time-sensitivity and importance of the data. This system ensures efficient and secure communication within the IoT network, adapting dynamically to changes in device availability and network conditions.
9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the processor is further configured to: store a configuration file that identifies a plurality of physical actions and selection criteria for selecting from among the plurality of physical actions; receive, from a user device associated with an owner of the first IoT device, a message that relates to modifying the configuration file; modify the configuration file based on the message; and select the first type of physical action from the plurality of physical actions based on the modified configuration file.
This invention relates to an Internet of Things (IoT) system that dynamically selects and executes physical actions based on configurable rules. The system addresses the challenge of managing IoT devices with varying operational requirements, where predefined actions may not always be optimal. The system includes a processor that stores a configuration file containing multiple physical actions and criteria for selecting among them. The configuration file can be updated by the owner of an IoT device via a user device, allowing for real-time adjustments. When a message is received to modify the configuration file, the system updates the file and then selects an appropriate physical action from the available options based on the modified criteria. This ensures that the IoT device responds to changing conditions or user preferences without requiring manual intervention for each action. The system enhances flexibility and adaptability in IoT device management by enabling dynamic configuration updates and action selection.
10. The system of claim 8 , wherein the processor is further configured to: select a second type of physical action to be performed by a fourth IoT device of the plurality of IoT devices included in the local area cloud, wherein the data further identifies the second type of physical action, and wherein the third IoT device forwards the data to the fourth IoT device via the local area cloud.
This invention relates to a distributed Internet of Things (IoT) system where multiple IoT devices operate within a local area cloud to perform coordinated physical actions. The problem addressed is the need for efficient communication and task delegation among IoT devices in a localized network to enhance automation and responsiveness without relying on external cloud infrastructure. The system includes a plurality of IoT devices interconnected in a local area cloud, where at least one device acts as a coordinator to manage tasks. A processor within the system selects a specific type of physical action for a first IoT device to perform, based on data received from another device. This data includes instructions or parameters defining the action. The system also enables a third IoT device to forward additional data to a fourth IoT device, specifying a second type of physical action for the fourth device to execute. The local area cloud facilitates direct communication between devices, ensuring low-latency coordination and reducing dependency on external networks. This approach improves reliability and efficiency in IoT automation by leveraging localized processing and peer-to-peer interactions.
11. The system of claim 8 , wherein the local area cloud is a first local area cloud, and wherein the processor is further configured to: determine a status of one or more IoT devices included in a second local area cloud, wherein the processor is configured to identify the first type of physical action further based on the status of the one or more IoT devices.
This invention relates to a system for managing Internet of Things (IoT) devices across multiple local area clouds. The system addresses the challenge of coordinating actions between IoT devices in different networks, ensuring seamless integration and functionality. The system includes a processor that monitors and controls IoT devices within a first local area cloud, such as a home or office network. The processor is configured to determine the status of IoT devices in a second local area cloud, which may be a separate but related network, such as a neighboring smart home or an extension of the same network. By analyzing the status of these devices, the processor can identify a specific type of physical action, such as adjusting lighting, temperature, or security settings, based on the combined data from both local area clouds. This allows for coordinated control and automation across multiple networks, improving efficiency and user experience. The system ensures that actions taken in one network are informed by the state of devices in another, enabling more intelligent and responsive IoT management.
12. The system of claim 8 , wherein the plurality of IoT devices are coupled to a plurality of IoT modems, wherein the plurality of IoT modems communicate with each other using a WLAN protocol, and wherein one of the plurality of IoT modems is coupled to the third IoT device and communicates with the first server device using a WWAN protocol.
This invention relates to a system for managing Internet of Things (IoT) devices in a networked environment. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently connecting multiple IoT devices to a central server while optimizing communication pathways. The system includes a plurality of IoT devices connected to multiple IoT modems. These modems communicate with each other using a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) protocol, enabling local data exchange between devices. One of the modems is directly connected to a third IoT device and communicates with a first server device using a Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) protocol, such as cellular or satellite communication. This setup allows for flexible and scalable connectivity, reducing reliance on a single communication pathway. The system ensures reliable data transmission by leveraging both local and wide-area networks, improving efficiency and reducing latency. The architecture supports dynamic routing, where data can be transmitted directly to the server or relayed through other modems, depending on network conditions. This approach enhances reliability and reduces costs by minimizing the need for individual WWAN connections for each IoT device. The system is particularly useful in environments where direct server connectivity is limited or expensive.
13. The system of claim 8 , wherein the status relates to a request by a fourth IoT device to join the local area cloud, and wherein the processor is further configured to: calculate a score for the fourth IoT device, wherein the score is calculated based on: whether an owner of the fourth IoT device is known to an owner of the third IoT device, whether the owner of the fourth IoT device is known to an owner of another one of the plurality of IoT devices included in the local area cloud, whether the owner of the fourth IoT device also is an owner of one of the plurality of IoT devices included in the local area cloud, and whether the owner of the fourth IoT device is approved by a trusted third party; and determine to admit the fourth IoT device into the local area cloud when the score is greater than a threshold.
This invention relates to a system for managing access control in a local area cloud of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The system addresses the challenge of securely and efficiently admitting new IoT devices into a local area cloud by evaluating their trustworthiness based on social and ownership relationships. The system includes a processor that monitors the status of IoT devices within the local area cloud. When a fourth IoT device requests to join, the processor calculates a trust score for the device. The score is determined by assessing multiple factors: whether the owner of the fourth IoT device is known to the owner of an existing IoT device in the cloud, whether the owner is known to other device owners in the cloud, whether the owner already owns another device in the cloud, and whether the owner is approved by a trusted third party. The system then compares the score against a predefined threshold. If the score exceeds the threshold, the fourth IoT device is admitted into the local area cloud. This approach enhances security by leveraging social and ownership-based trust relationships to validate new devices before granting access.
14. The system of claim 8 , wherein the information regarding the status of the first IoT device includes 256 or fewer bytes of data, wherein the first type of sensor data is something other than personal health information, wherein the first type of physical action corresponds to performing a time-sensitive function, wherein the first security protocol corresponds to a level of security that is lower than a level of security corresponding to the second security protocol, and wherein the first level of priority path corresponds to a lower level of priority than a level of priority corresponding to the second level of priority path.
This invention relates to an Internet of Things (IoT) system designed to manage data transmission between IoT devices and a central server, addressing challenges in efficient, secure, and prioritized data handling. The system includes a first IoT device equipped with a sensor that generates a specific type of sensor data, excluding personal health information. The device communicates this data to a central server via a network, where the data is processed and used to trigger a physical action, such as performing a time-sensitive function. The system employs two security protocols: a first protocol with lower security for the sensor data and a second, higher-security protocol for other data types. Data transmission follows prioritized paths, with the first path having lower priority than the second. The system ensures that status information from the IoT device is limited to 256 or fewer bytes, optimizing bandwidth and processing efficiency. This approach enables real-time, secure, and prioritized data management in IoT networks, improving operational responsiveness while maintaining data integrity.
15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium to store instructions, the instructions comprising: instructions that when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: receive, via a wireless wide area network (WWAN) interface, information regarding a status of a first Internet of Things (IoT) device of a plurality of IoT devices that form a local area cloud and connect to a base station via a radio access network, wherein a second IoT device of the plurality of IoT devices functions as a leader of the local area cloud; transmit, via a first type of communication path, a first type of sensor data obtained from the first IoT device to a first server device; forward a set of rules that define leader selection as a function of relative signal strength and a geographic distance with respect to the base station, wherein one or more of the plurality of IoT devices evaluate the plurality of IoT devices against the set of rules to determine a third IoT device associated with a superior relative signal strength and a shortest geographic distance, and implement a selection of the third IoT device as the leader of the local area cloud; select, based on the first type of sensor data, a first type of physical action to be performed by the first IoT device; and forward, via a second type of communication path, data identifying the first type of physical action to the third IoT device for distribution, via a wireless wide area network (WWAN) interface, to the first IoT device via the local area cloud, wherein, based on the first type of sensor data and a time-sensitivity of the first type of physical action, a first security protocol, a first level of reliability, a first transmission speed, a first bandwidth amount, a first number of trusted nodes, and a first level of priority path associated with the first type of communication path differ from a second security protocol, a second level of reliability, a second transmission speed, a second bandwidth amount, a second number of trusted nodes, and a second level of priority path associated with the second type of communication path.
This invention relates to a system for managing a local area cloud of Internet of Things (IoT) devices connected to a base station via a radio access network. The problem addressed is the efficient and secure distribution of sensor data and control actions within a dynamic IoT network, where devices may have varying signal strengths and geographic distances to the base station. The system includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions for a processor to receive status information from a first IoT device in the cloud, which is managed by a second IoT device acting as the leader. The system transmits sensor data from the first IoT device to a server via a first communication path, which is optimized for security, reliability, transmission speed, bandwidth, trusted nodes, and priority based on the data's time-sensitivity and the action's urgency. The system also forwards rules for leader selection, which are evaluated by the IoT devices to determine a third IoT device with the best signal strength and shortest distance to the base station, promoting it to leader. The system then selects a physical action for the first IoT device based on its sensor data and forwards the action to the new leader for distribution to the first IoT device via a second communication path, which may have different security, reliability, speed, bandwidth, node count, and priority settings than the first path. This ensures optimal performance and security for both data transmission and action distribution in the IoT network.
16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15 , wherein the first server device includes a configuration file that identifies a plurality of physical actions and selection criteria for selecting from among the plurality of physical actions, and wherein the instructions further cause the processor, when selecting the first type of physical action, to: receive, from a user device associated with an owner of the first IoT device, a message that relates to modifying the configuration file; modify the configuration file based on the message; and select the first type physical action from the plurality of physical actions based on the modified configuration file.
This invention relates to a system for managing Internet of Things (IoT) devices using a server that processes configuration files to determine physical actions. The problem addressed is the need for dynamic and user-configurable control of IoT devices based on updated selection criteria. The system includes a server with a configuration file that defines multiple physical actions and criteria for selecting among them. When a user sends a message to modify the configuration file, the server updates the file and then selects a specific physical action for an IoT device based on the modified criteria. The configuration file allows for flexible adjustments, enabling the system to adapt to changing user preferences or environmental conditions. The server processes the updated file to determine the appropriate action, ensuring that the IoT device responds according to the latest configuration. This approach enhances automation and customization in IoT device management by allowing real-time adjustments without requiring direct hardware changes. The system ensures that the selected action aligns with the most recent user-defined rules, improving responsiveness and usability.
17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15 , wherein the instructions further cause the processor to: select a second type of physical action to be performed by a fourth IoT device of the plurality of IoT devices included in the local area cloud; and include, in the data, an indication of the second type of physical action, wherein the third IoT device forwards the data to the fourth IoT device via the local area cloud.
This invention relates to a system for coordinating physical actions among multiple Internet of Things (IoT) devices within a local area cloud. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and reliable communication between IoT devices to perform coordinated tasks without relying on external cloud infrastructure. The system involves a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, enable a first IoT device to select a first type of physical action for a second IoT device and transmit data indicating this action. The second IoT device receives the data and performs the specified action. Additionally, the system allows a third IoT device to select a second type of physical action for a fourth IoT device and transmit corresponding data, which the third IoT device forwards to the fourth IoT device via the local area cloud. This ensures seamless coordination of physical actions among IoT devices within the local network, improving responsiveness and reducing dependency on external systems. The invention enhances local autonomy and efficiency in IoT device interactions.
18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15 , wherein the local area cloud is a first local area cloud, and wherein the instructions further cause the processor to: determine a status of one or more IoT devices included in a second local area cloud; and identify the first type of physical action further based on the status of the one or more IoT devices.
This invention relates to a system for managing Internet of Things (IoT) devices across multiple local area clouds. The problem addressed is the need for coordinated control of IoT devices in different physical locations, ensuring actions are based on real-time status updates from devices in multiple networks. The system uses a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, enable a processor to manage IoT devices in a first local area cloud and also monitor the status of IoT devices in a second local area cloud. The processor identifies a type of physical action to perform based on the status of devices in both clouds. This allows for integrated decision-making where actions in one location are influenced by the state of devices in another, improving coordination and efficiency in distributed IoT environments. The system dynamically adjusts actions based on real-time data from multiple networks, ensuring responsive and context-aware control. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where IoT devices in different locations need to interact or where centralized control is required for decentralized devices.
19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15 , wherein the plurality of IoT devices are coupled to a plurality of IoT modems, wherein the plurality of IoT modems communicate with each other using a WLAN protocol, and wherein one of the plurality of IoT modems is coupled to the third IoT device and communicates with the first server device using a WWAN protocol.
This invention relates to a system for managing Internet of Things (IoT) devices using a combination of wireless local area network (WLAN) and wireless wide area network (WWAN) protocols. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently connecting multiple IoT devices to a central server while minimizing bandwidth and power consumption. The system includes a plurality of IoT devices connected to multiple IoT modems. These modems communicate with each other using a WLAN protocol, such as Wi-Fi, to form a local network. One of the modems is designated as a gateway, connecting to a third IoT device and communicating with a remote server via a WWAN protocol, such as cellular or satellite communication. This architecture allows IoT devices to share local network resources while reducing the need for each device to maintain a direct WWAN connection, conserving energy and bandwidth. The system ensures reliable data transmission between the IoT devices and the server, even in environments where direct WWAN connectivity is limited or unreliable. The invention optimizes network efficiency by leveraging local communication for device-to-device interactions and reserving WWAN connections for critical server communications.
20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15 , wherein the status relates to a request by a fourth IoT device to join the local area cloud, and wherein the instructions further cause the processor to: calculate a score for the fourth IoT device, wherein the score is calculated based on: whether an owner of the fourth IoT device is known to an owner of the third IoT device, whether the owner of the fourth IoT device is known to an owner of another one of the plurality of IoT devices included in the local area cloud, whether the owner of the fourth IoT device also is an owner of one of the plurality of IoT devices included in the local area cloud, and whether the owner of the fourth IoT device is approved by a trusted third party; and determine to admit the fourth IoT device into the local area cloud when the score is greater than a threshold.
This invention relates to a system for managing access to a local area cloud of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The problem addressed is the need for secure and automated admission control for new IoT devices seeking to join a local area cloud, ensuring that only trusted devices are allowed to participate. The system involves a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform operations related to evaluating and admitting IoT devices into the local area cloud. Specifically, the system calculates a score for a fourth IoT device requesting to join the cloud. The score is determined based on multiple factors, including whether the owner of the fourth IoT device is known to the owner of an existing IoT device in the cloud, whether the owner is known to other owners within the cloud, whether the owner already owns another device in the cloud, and whether the owner is approved by a trusted third party. If the calculated score exceeds a predefined threshold, the system admits the fourth IoT device into the local area cloud. This approach enhances security by leveraging social and ownership relationships to assess trustworthiness before granting access.
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July 14, 2020
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